How E. coli and Shigella cause diarrhea in lab-grown human gut mini-organs
Pathogenesis of E. coli and Shigella infections in human enteroid models
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11133016
Researchers are using lab-grown human intestinal tissues to learn how certain E. coli strains and Shigella cause diarrhea and to find ways to stop it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11133016 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project grows human enteroids and colonoids (mini-versions of the intestine) in the lab and exposes them to diarrheagenic E. coli and Shigella to see how the bacteria damage the gut. Teams at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Virginia share methods and data, and some experiments include immune cells alongside the gut cells to mimic real intestinal responses. By comparing normal gut tissue with infected tissue, researchers look for bacterial factors and host responses that lead to diarrhea. The goal is to identify targets or approaches that could be developed into treatments or preventive measures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or severe diarrhea suspected to be caused by E. coli or Shigella, or those willing to donate stool or intestinal biopsy samples, would be most relevant to this effort.
Not a fit: Patients whose symptoms are due to non-bacterial causes (for example viral gastroenteritis or chronic inflammatory bowel disease) or who cannot provide samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat diarrhea caused by E. coli and Shigella.
How similar studies have performed: Human enteroid/organoid models have already helped scientists understand gut infections, but turning those findings into approved treatments is still an early and active area of research.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAPER, JAMES B — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: KAPER, JAMES B
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.